LIVE STOCK MARKETS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 42, 20 February 1933, Page 4

LIVE STOCK MARKETS.

TARANAKI VALUES. PASTURES IN FINE CONDITION. ALL STOCK THRIVING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Saturday. Excellent pasture growth has done much during the past week to counterbalance the slight decline in export values and h;is assisted to promote business in the sheep markets, wherein, trade has been brisk throughout Taranaki. Values of all classes of sheep were maintained. A plentiful supply of fat ewes has been available, and prices have ranged about the 7/6 .mark. Fat wethers have been scarce, and buyers show a preference to hold. Prices for fat lambs declined, but most offerings have been quitted, rape lambs remaining to be drafted later. The fat cattle market has been dull, almost confined to butchers' requirements, but prices have remained firm. Dairy farmers' fat cattle have commenced to be yarded. Butchers have been able to secure all supplies locally. Breeding ewes are in demand, and brisk business has been transacted in all classes, with prices up to expectations. There is evidence of a shortage of young ewes and eood 4-year ewes are subject to keen competition at every sale. As high as 12/6 lias been paid at auction. All classes of lambs are being sought with keenness, Down cross being most iu demand. Dairy farmers' requirements are not yet filled, and the shortage of Down cross lambs will divert attention to Itomney cross. Romney ewe lambs have been selling well, with good quality difficult to obtain. It is considered that farmers who bought early will be able to fatten two draughts this year on account of the abundance of pasture feed.

Little business has been done in the store cattle Section, few offerings having been received. There is an unsatisfied inquiry for Hereford and P.A. cows and heifers. A demand has set in for both unmarked and marked weaner heifers. A considerable number of sales is reported, notwithstanding that vendor's valuations are on the high side. Unmarked weaners of good colour and quality, £2 to £2 5/, and marked weaners, £3 to £3 10/. In-calf lieuer profipects ave obscure at this early stage, and the position will be governed largely by the ideas of outride operators. Graziers are holding good numbers in Taranaki, and are watching the markets closely. Last week's improvement in the pig market hae been maintained, a contributing factor being the increased milk supply and a steady export schedule. At yesterday's Bale a full yarding comprised almost wholly weaners and slips. Good stores. 23'ft;'good slipe, 14/ to 16/6; extra good weaners, V 2/ to 14/6; medium, 9/ to 10/; small, 7/ to 8/. Stud Stock. Rams have sold steadily during the week, good sales being reported both at auction and private treaty. Southdown 6 have been selling at about the same level c>f prices as ruled last year, 2-tooths ranging from 2% to 3V4gs. A pleasing improvement is reported in the eale of Romneys, several lots having changed hands at 2Vz to 3%gs for picked rams.